Squad Update from Bobby Wilkinson

We spoke to an excited Bobby Wilkinson ahead of the long trip to Weston-super-Mare on Tuesday.

Bobby wanted to take the opportunity to talk about the recent additions to the squad and to update Stones fans. Bobby said: “ There is lots going on at the moment and it’s important that I communicate regularly with the fans. I have brought several players in but not all of these lads are on contract terms – it’s important to understand that. One or two may be a gamble but we need to freshen things up and get some new faces in and we are already seeing an improvement. We will have a mix in the squad of contract and non-contract players.

‘ I have released loan player Aron Pollock back to Leyton Orient today (Monday) and Benji Crilley has returned to Chesham. Players cannot be released until I have brought players in and we have to take injuries into account and maintain a healthy squad. In this regard we have lost Shaquille (Hippolyte-Patrick) for some weeks due to his injury and I have to ensure we have a good replacement so I have brought in Alan O’Brien who is very experienced and I know will do well for us.”

Bobby added “ I don’t want people to think we are over loading, we aren’t but we have to achieve a balance. We have done good business with the players we have brought in and they are lads that I know will do a good job for us. I will have no more than 18 in the squad and that is what I have always worked to. I will bring in another experienced defender very soon and I will strengthen where it is needed but these lads won’t necessarily be on a contract. That is how I work”

Asked about the striker situation Bobby was very clear: “ I know what our fantastic fans want , it’s understandable and every club wants a top class striker to add to what they have and we are working extremely hard to find the right player but it’s important to understand this will take time”